The growers of South Africa summer citrus joined with the United Nations and the South African Consulate General of New York to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day July 18, which was Nelson Mandela's birthday.

"As South Africans, we are proud that Mr. Mandela set an example to make the world a better place for everyone," Suhanra Conradie, chief executive officer of the Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum, said in a press release. "It is a privilege to export our fine fruit to the U.S. and around the world, and an equal privilege that our fruit can honor Mr. Mandela."

Onion production continues to be a thriving industry in the Pacific Northwest. Several publications issued by the states of Oregon and Washington provided a snapshot of regional production for the 2011 crop year.

Domex Superfresh Growers has been gearing up for the new crop of Washington apples in the fall. The official estimate will be announced Aug. 10, however currently the industry range of estimates are from a low of 110 million boxes to a high of 125 million boxes.

PHILADELPHIA — One of the larger customs brokers in the Delaware River region, OHL is a global supply chain management solutions leader with teams dedicated to air and ocean transportation, trade services and customs brokerage focused on specific industry verticals, including retail, apparel, footwear, chemicals, steel, forest products and especially perishables.

Ed Fitzgerald, assistant vice president of import operations, has been with OHL for 19 years and manages the perishable customs brokerage team, solving international shippers’ challenges before they become problems.

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ — Importer AMC Direct Inc., with U.S. headquarters in New Jersey, has made much headway in North America in the past few years, despite the fact that the company has been flying under the radar.

With consumption of imported fruit, like AMC’s South African summer citrus, on the rise, the company is becoming more visible in the Americas.

PHILADELPHIA — The Tioga Marine Fruit Terminal is not the biggest on the Delaware River, but it offers advantages that other facilities cannot, said Robert Palaima, president of Delaware River Stevedores, which operates the facility.